Types of Black Tea

Orange Spice Tea Benefits

Orange Spice tea and the health benefits obtained from drinking it are basically mirror the health benefits of other black tea varieties. Orange Spice tea has high antioxidant content that helps protect its drinkers from many ailments and diseases.

Orange Spice tea possesses essentially the same characteristics and flavor of Darjeeling tea. It is grown in the pristine high-altitude mountain ranges of the Himalayan region. Due to its proximity both to India and China , Darjeeling tea bushes of the Chinese hybrid variety were taken by the British East India Company and planted in the Orange Spiceese districts of Ilam, Taplejung and Dhankuta. Production of Orange Spice tea started in 1863 and the first factory opened in 1878.

Orange spice tea refers to a black tea variation that combines either Assam or Ceylon black tea leaves with orange zest or dried orange peel and a host of spices that may include cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and allspice. Orange spice tea is typically available in loose leaf or bag forms and is often seen in gourmet tea shops, health stores and even grocery shelves.

Orange spice tea is considered a good starter beverage for people who are new to gourmet tea blends. It may be taken hot or in the form of flavored iced tea.

Orange spice tea is taken more to indulge the taste buds rather than to derive its health benefits. Nevertheless, the ingredients to this tea reveal a drink that is abundant in substances that have beneficial effects on health.

The black tea base, for example, is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that are seen as crucial in fighting free radicals that lead to cell damage. The orange peel and zest are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B, beta-carotene and folic acid that are similarly able to repel many substances that cause ailments and diseases. Lastly, the spices are likewise hotbeds of beneficial nutrients that have been proven to support human health.

To enjoy this tea, simply place about two tablespoons of the leaves of the orange spice blend in a teapot filled with about 16 ounces of boiling water. Take the pot out of the water and let the mix stand for about 5 to 7 minutes. Strain and drink slowly.

The following are some health benefits attributed to this tea:

May help strengthen the immune system.

May help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

May help in the prevention of certain cancers.

May help ward off bacteria and viruses and thus, may help contribute to preventing colds, cough and flu.